St. Peter’s Baldachin (Baldacchino di San Pietro)

Set beneath Michelangelo’s dome in St. Peter’s Basilica, the monumental bronze canopy of St. Peter’s Baldachin rises as high as a nine-story building above the basilica’s high altar. This 17th-century masterpiece by Bernini marks the spot where St. Peter is said to be buried. A unique example of baroque style, the baldachin blends sculpture and architecture, showcasing an important evolution in church design. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and the grand scale of this central feature, which continues to captivate with its artistic and historical significance.